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Give Me the Brain! (1996) Board Game

ByMichail

Give Me the Brain! is a card game designed by James Ernest and published by Cheapass Games in in 1996. The game features a humorous theme centered around zombies working in a fast food restaurant, where they must pass around a single brain in order to accomplish tasks. With its simple yet engaging gameplay, Give Me the Brain! has gained a cult following among fans of light-hearted and quirky board games.

Game Components of Give Me the Brain!

  • 112 cards: 30 purple/blue Bid cards and 82 yellow/green Job cards.
  • One gray 6-sided die representing the Brain.
  • Job cards feature hand icons and some have a brain icon.
  • Bid cards are numbered 1 through 30, with special rules for cards 1 through 4.

    How To Setup Give Me the Brain!

    To set up the game, the dealer shuffles all the cards and deals seven to each player. The deck is placed in the middle of the table with space for a discard pile beside it. The Brain, represented by the die, is initially placed on the table, and no player starts with it. The game begins with a bidding round to determine who grabs the Brain first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The goal is to empty your hand of cards by completing jobs, which requires careful management of the single Brain shared among players.
  • Bidding:** Players bid using Bid cards to acquire the Brain, necessary for completing certain jobs. The highest bidder gets the Brain and takes the next turn.
  • Job Completion:** Players can play Job cards to complete tasks, but some jobs require the Brain. If a player drops the Brain while completing a task, another bidding round ensues.
  • Card Management:** Players must manage their hand carefully, as Bid cards can only be played during bidding rounds, and Job cards must be completed within the hand icon limits.

    Player Experience

    In **Give Me the Brain**, players take on the roles of zombies working at Friedey’s, “the fast food restaurant of the damned.” The game is light-hearted and humorous, with a simple yet engaging mechanic of bidding for the Brain to complete tasks. The game promotes strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it enjoyable for players of various ages and skill levels.

    Pros

  • Quick Gameplay:** The game is relatively short, lasting between 5-20 minutes.
  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Humorous Theme:** The zombie fast food restaurant setting adds a fun and quirky element.
  • Strategic Depth:** Balancing Bid and Job cards requires strategic thinking.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** The outcome can be significantly influenced by luck, particularly in bidding and rolling the die.
  • Limited Interaction:** Some players might find the interaction between players to be limited, as the main focus is on individual card management.

    Personal Thoughts on Give Me the Brain!

    **Give Me the Brain** is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, fun, and quick card game that combines luck and strategy. It’s ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys a humorous and engaging game experience. The game’s short playtime and easy setup make it a great addition to any game collection. However, players seeking more complex or deeply strategic games might find it a bit too simplistic.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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